Question:
Do you still have to take diuretics after surgery?

I take a diuretic every day for edema... will I be able to stop this after surgery?    — Tim W. (posted on February 19, 2003)

February 19, 2003
I am on a mild combination diuretic/ACE inhibitor for my blood pressure, as well as a second drug for B/P control. The good news is that my blood pressure is fine, so my doctor said I could stop the med with the diuretic in it. I did, and my B/P went up and I had some edema in my lower legs and hands, not much , but enough to be annoying. So, he said to taper off the other med and go back on the one with the diuretic. I don't think you will be able to stop the diuretic immediately after surgery, but maybe down the road. I am now on the smallest dose they make of the ACE inhibitor/diuretic combo and my B/P is right where it should be. I am down about 50lbs (with another 50-60 to go) so I may eventaully get off the other medication. I think only your own doctor can answer the question, but this has been my experience, so maybe it will help.
   — koogy

February 19, 2003
You may be able to get off of the diuretics after surgery. I had to get off of them because I was having a hard time staying hydrated, and my blood pressure didn't suffer and I didn't retain water.
   — joeandteri